“We have received many dead and wounded people since the end of the match, some of them are women and children,” said a source at a hospital in Basra, who refused to reveal his name.

But in Iraq most things lead to mass murder, including elections, bake sales and trips to the mosque. At least this was a completely accidental case of mass murder.

Iraq's soccer team sparked widespread jubilation across the country on January 15 when Ahmad Khalil's last-gasp goal gave them victory over Bahrain in the semifinals of the Gulf Cup.

In a proud soccer country that has long been starved of success, it's no surprise that many Iraqis poured onto the streets of cities across the country in spontaneous celebration.

These joyous scenes were marred, however, because many indulged in the practice of firing guns into the air to express their elation.

Tragically, it appears that several people were accidentally killed and dozens injured as a result of being hit by stray bullets falling from the sky.

“We have received many dead and wounded people since the end of the match, some of them are women and children,” said a source at a hospital in Basra, who refused to reveal his name.

Now, authorities are worried that if Iraq triumphs against the U.A.E. in the Gulf Cup final on January 18, it will precipitate further deaths or injuries.

Women and children. Right. Because no celebration is complete without a sizable death toll. You know that a country is going to be a failed state for life if the authorities are worried that winning a soccer game will lead to mass murder.